Has this ever happened to you? You’re on your way home from the dentist when you stop at the store to get a bottle of your favorite beverage. You raise the can to your lips with anticipation when you pause. You’ve just had teeth whitening in Greenfield , and the last thing you want is to ruin your bright, bold smile. What should you do?
Questions like these concern many of our teeth whitening patients. This is especially true during the few days after the treatment. Fortunately, keeping your pearly whites looking their best is easy. Just let the color of the food be your guide
Foods to Avoid
One of the things that makes food so enjoyable is its appearance, especially its color. Think of the red in a slice of tomato, the yummy darkness in a bar of chocolate, the soothing amber tones in a cup of coffee.
You can thank natural pigments for giving us all of these wonderful shades and tones. Without them, mealtime would be a bland event indeed. But, if you recently had your teeth whitened, then there are some foods you might want to avoid for now. Here are a few examples:
- Coffee.
- Tea.
- Tomatoes
- Colas or other colored soft drinks.
- Ketchup, mustard, soy sauce and other tinted condiments.
- Fruit juices.
- Jellies, jams and fruit spreads.
Foods to Enjoy
At this point, you may be frowning and saying, “gee, what can I eat?” Never fear. There are plenty of items you can enjoy for the first few days after your teeth whitening. These include:
- Plain milk and other dairy products.
- Rice and pasta.
- White potatoes.
- Peanuts, cashews, almonds and other nuts and legumes.
- Pears.
- Tofu.
- Cauliflower.
- Pastries.
- Chicken and pork.
Remember, these guidelines only apply to first few days after your teeth whitening session. Afterwards, you can expand your choices to include all the food you normally eat. Your dentist can tell you how long you should monitor your diet after the treatment.
How Often Should I Have My Teeth Whitened?
The answer to this question varies from one person to the next. Many people get great results from a once-yearly whitening, while others need more frequent treatments. Here are some things you can do to maximize the benefits:
- Brush after each meal and floss at least once daily. Your dentist may suggest a particular brand of whitening toothpaste.
- Use a dental rinse recommended by the ADA.
- Limit consumption of darkly colored drinks like coffee, cola and red wine.
Are you smoke-free? Good for you! If you’re not, then consider the advantages of kicking the habit. All types of tobacco products can cause teeth staining, not to mention other, more serious health issues. Ask your dentist or regular physician about new medications that can help.
While we’re on this topic, we should mention the difference between teeth whitening formulas from your dentist vs. over-the-counter products. The simple fact is that no non-prescription product can equal the results you’ll get from a dental professional. So, if it’s pearly whites you’re after, then make an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Greenfield today. You’ll soon have plenty of reasons to smile
About the Author
Dr. David Blanchard earned his DDS degree from the University Of Michigan School Of Dentistry, graduating with honors in 2014. He’s proud to be serving his patients in the Reedsburg and Waunakee area. You can reach his office online or by calling (414) 209-7463.